WICHITA — Like a hospital emergency room, the American Red Cross must be prepared to provide blood for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It’s the blood already on the shelves and readily available that can be lifesaving for people like Chris Salinas.

Chris was a horse trainer who was seriously injured in an accident when a horse pinned him to the pavement. He and his family said they credit the multiple blood transfusions he received with helping him recover.

Type O negative blood is especially needed right now. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to patients with any type. To make an appointment to donate blood and help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients in need, please visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Ellis County
Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Department of Children & Families, 3000 Broadway in Hays
Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays
Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Red Cross, 208 E. Eighth St. in Hays

Gove County
Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Opera House, 232 Main St. in Grainfield

Logan County
Feb. 26 from 12-5 p.m. at Christian Church, 200 E. Fourth in Oakley

Osborne County
Feb. 27 from 2-6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, South Morgan Avenue in Downs

Sherman County
Feb. 25 from 12:30-5 p.m. at Northwest Kansas Tech College Student Union, 1209 Harrison St. in Goodland

Smith County
Feb. 26 from 12-6 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 101 Armory Road in Smith Center

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.